Efficacy of drug-driving test programs

Press/Media: Expert Comment

Period12 Sep 2019 → 11 Oct 2019

Media coverage

1

Media coverage

  • TitleFurther reference to comments on roadside drug testing
    Degree of recognitionRegional
    Media name/outlet5AAm and 5AU (Port Augusta)5CS (Port Pirie)5RM (Berri)
    Duration/Length/Size1 min, 4 sec.
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date11/10/19
    DescriptionLeon Byner says according to Monash University Accident Research Centre Professor Michael Fitzharris, the methods of roadside testing is doing its job. There's also a high degree of confidence in detecting recent use and impairment of the skills needed for driving.
    PersonsMichael Fitzharris

Media contributions

3

Media contributions

  • TitleNews comment on roadside drug-testing programs; Australia has led the world in roadside drug-testin
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletABC News, Sydney, ABC News Tonight (Karina Carvalho and Andrew Geoghegan); also ABC News (Melbourne), ABC News (Regional NSW)ABC News (Brisbane)ABC News (Adelaide)ABC News (Perth)ABC News (Regional Queensland)ABC News (Hobart)ABC News (Canberra)ABC News (Regional Victoria)ABC News (Regional West Australia)
    Media typeTelevision
    Duration/Length/Size2mins 11secs
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date12/09/19
    Producer/AuthorABC News
    PersonsMichael Fitzharris
  • TitleRoadside drug tests for cannabis return false results, research finds
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletABC News Online
    Media typeWeb
    Duration/Length/SizeWords: 778
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date12/09/19
    DescriptionComment on methods used to detect drug-drivers. A study of roadside drug testing devices widely used by police in Australia has called into question their reliability for detecting cannabis, ABC News reports. Associate Professor Michael Fitzharris from Monash's Accident Research Centre says: "It should be seen as an effective program to manage the drug-driving problem in Australia, and it's now being used as a template by other jurisidctions around the world."
    Producer/AuthorBen Knight
    URLhttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-09-12/police-roadside-cannabis-drug-testing-devices-questioned/11502436
    PersonsMichael Fitzharris
  • TitleInterview re: road-side drug testing
    Degree of recognitionNational
    Media name/outletABC News, Melbourne, Mornings with Glen Bartholomew; ABC News (Sydney)ABC News (Brisbane)ABC News (Adelaide)ABC News (Perth)ABC News (Canberra)ABC News (Newcastle)ABC News (Gold Coast)
    Media typeRadio
    Duration/Length/Size7mins 49secs
    Country/TerritoryAustralia
    Date12/09/19
    DescriptionInterview with Monash University's Accident Research Centre Associate Professor Michael Fitzharris. Tchilinguirian says a study of road-side drug testing devices widely used by police in Australia conducted by a PhD student at the University of Sydney has found that their accuracy and sensitivity are below the standards recommended by European Union authorities. She states the study found the devices frequently failed to detect high concentrations of THC. Fitzharris notes it has been known that the fluids test have such limitations. He says the test is just the first port of call for police who pulls over a driver. He states officers can still perform the driver impairment assessment even if the test returns a negative. He recalls Victoria introduced the test in 2004. He notes he was at the International Drug and Alcohol Conference in Canada. He says Canada moved to oral fluid testing.
    PersonsMichael Fitzharris

Keywords

  • drug-driving
  • cannabis
  • Road safety